The current e-reader product line from Kobo consist of the Aura, H2O and Glow HD. Word has it that there is a second generation Mini on the way, but it will likely be released within six months.

The Kobo H2O was released late last year and is the first waterproof e-reader. It has a 6.8 inch screen, so it breaks the standard 6 inch convention. Whereas the Kobo Glo HD is only six inches, but has amazing resolution and high PPI. What are the core differences between these two devices?

These two readers actually have a fair bit in common when it comes down to the specs on paper. The Kobo Aura H2O features a 6.8 inch e-ink Carta touchscreen display with a resolution of 1430×1080 and 265 PPI. One of the drawbacks is that it uses Infrared technology, which means you cannot pinch and zoom. This model does have an SD card, that is actually hidden from view when you close the waterproof flap on the bottom.

Meanwhile the Kobo Glo HD features a six inch e-ink Carta screen with a resolution of 1448×1072 and 300 PPI. This device has capacitive touch, which will allow you to pinch and zoom PDF documents, which is very useful. Unlike the H2O, this model does not have an SD card, likely due to cost down on manufacturing costs and encourage people to not sideload in their own content.

On a software level, these two are exactly the same. They both have a dynamic home screen that responds to common tasks and functions you access. Additionally, there is little to no change on the fonts and reading experience.

If you are torn between these two devices in our video, we demonstrate how they perform head to head.